Prev
Incident
Patrolman Michael Connolly was killed after he stopped a group of bootleggers or smugglers delivering illegal goods to the area. Patrolman Connolly was found the next day in the water near Fish Point. His hands were handcuffed behind his back with his own handcuffs, and his revolver had been shoved into his front pocket. It is believed that Patrolman Connolly discovered an illegal shipment of whiskey while patrolling the waterfront. It is thought that he knew the suspects and believed he would be released after a short time, as no sign of a struggle could be located. The cause of death was determined to be drowning, and the incident was ruled a homicide. The case remains unsolved.
Survivors
Patrolman Connolly was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmrjwett3ed19s1p944c- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Connolly served with the Portland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Portland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Connolly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Portland Police Department has lost 5 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Michael is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in ME, 43% of the 86 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 1 officer in ME was killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 33 years on record. The heaviest was 1873, with 2.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 49. Of the 32 killed feloniously in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 49.5; the middle age was 42.
Michael was 49. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Michael was 49. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 5.4% of these deaths in ME; January holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 18.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 40% of all 5 deaths at Portland Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 43% of all 86 deaths in ME, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 10.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was person, in 1.8% of these deaths.
His people
Portland Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Michael among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Portland Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
